Beyond Froebel: Why Nursery Education is Relevant to Academic Leadership

"I wanted to educate people to be free, to think, to take action for themselves" (Froebel in Lilley 1967:41). 

Friedrich Froebel, a nineteenth century German educator and founder of the kindergarten, is arguably the most significant of the pioneers of early years education and care. His principles underpin much of the excellent nursery provision and practice today within the UK and globally. His recognition that young children needed a distinctive education, with the freedom to explore and develop with structured adult guidance, resonates with the independent learning students’ experience within the University sector. 

Other early years pioneers, such as Malaguzzi, have emphasised that to achieve high quality learning a connected community fostered by knowledgeable educators is paramount, again this could be related to a university education as envisaged by Humboldt. Therefore, this lecture will explore the connections between these two non-compulsory sectors and reflect on my own leadership role.  

The event will be followed by a drinks reception.